Good Places to Buy Rifles in Ohio? (WTB 1895)

[rockhound758]

Good Evening.

I searched on THR and didn't see anything related to this question, so here goes:

I live in the Columbus OH area and would like to get opinions on some good places to look for rifles. More specifically, I'm looking to pick up a Marlin 1895 in .45-70 but from what I've read, due to QC concerns, it's best to be able to see/inspect it before you buy if you buy new (although I'm open to used if it's in real good condition). I'd also like to check out the Ruger #1. Ideas on good places to look? I don't mind a road trip of a couple of hours.

BTW, I've checked with Vance's here in C'Bus and they don't have them (nor does their sister shop). Black Wing has them on and off but they can be pricey (and they don't have the SBL right now). I'll try calling Jaqua's tomorrow, but are there some places with a) reasonable prices and b) reasonable selection of rifles that you're aware of?

Thanks in advance for any ideas, and have a good one!

Rockhound

 

[bass22lb]

Rockhound,

You may want to consider a used 1985 made before 2008 before Remington took over Marlin. That was when the problems started. The older Marlins are so much better. Try local gun shops and pawn shops for good buys. As always, really look over any used rifle. You may find a good buy this way.

To date a Marlin:

If made is 2000 or earlier: Subtract the first two numbers from 2000 and that gives you the year made; 2000 - 10 = 1990. This is good for 1973 to 2000.

If made in 2001 to 2009: Subtract the first two numbers (they will be in the 90's) from 2000 and add 100; 2000 - 98 = 1992 + 100 = 2002

Again, only before 2008 and not after.

Mark

 

[doc2rn]

You could always try the BEAR'S Den up near Shelby OH. They consistently have a wider variety by what I have found than even Fin Feather and Fur. Got my 1894c from them back when no one else could get them. Prepare to spend an hour or two as they do have that many to choose from!

 

[rockhound758]

Doc: Did you mean Sportsmen's Den? Is that the same place? It's also in Shelby so I'm wondering...thanks, I've been meaning to head up to Shelby but haven't had the chance. I'll give them a call.

Mark, I want to make sure I understand...you're talking simply about the first two digits of the serial number, right? Either two (non-90s) digits that I use the one rule for, and the other (90s digits) that I use the other rule for, right? Thanks.

Any other ideas from folks? Any good pawn shops that typically have a better rifle selection than others?

 

[Hizzie]

Woodbury Outiftter was easy to deal with when I was in OH. It was a drive from Cleveland but worth it. Also check out Fin, Feather & Fur in Ashland.

Good luck.

 

[ball3006]

The CMP in Port Clinton. SOG is in Ohio too.....chris3

 

[scallop]

Gander Mtn in Reynoldsburg had one a couple days ago, not sure if they still do, or if it was new or used. I'm on the search for the ever elusive .357 lever myself.....

 

[rockhound758]

Scallop, Black Wing had one a few days ago I believe, and my guess is it's still there if you want to give them a call.

 

[scallop]

Thanks for the tip Rockhound. Called them today and all they have is 22" barrel models. I'm looking for the carbine length. The search continues. I stopped by Gander on my way home today and the Guide Gun they had is gone.

 

[.45Guy]

I can't find their card at the moment, but there is a pawn shop in Niles that has a huge selection.

 

[igousigloo]

Your best bet is Sportsmans Den in Shelby.

 

[.45Guy]

Found it: P&A Super Pawnbrokers 330-652-CASH. Last time I stopped they had two walls COVERED with long guns.

 

[newbuckeye]

Also try Gun Envy....4290 indianola....great guys there!

 

[gearjammer-2000]

try Barnes in Lancaster, that place is great and you never know what you will find, their merchandise turns over pretty regularly, lots of new and used stuff,
its on High st. just south of 6th

 

[rockhound758]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate it. I've had a long week so I'm going to take tomorrow (Friday) off and have a nice day of visiting a few of these places...a road trip to Shelby and maybe visit of few of these pawn shops. Should be a nice day after a looooong week!

Take care.

 

[Longrifle2506]

Someone else may help you with a good store closer to Columbus, but just in case you don't find a very good store; I want to tell you about one named Border's in Ashland Kentucky. My mother and father live in Southern Ohio right close to the Ohio River in Scioto County and my father drives 30 minutes across the river to Border's in Ashland. They ordered my Sako Finnlight for me in 2003. They stock quite a bit of rifles. But I would call them first. Might take a couple hours to get there; but I drove 4 hours to pick up my Sako from there. Like I said, if you have no luck with anywhere closer. Just in case. Here's the info;

Borders Sporting Goods
5876 U.S. Route 60
Ashland, KY 41102-9508
(606) 928-6326

 

[HARV6]

Fin Feather Fur in Ashland and Sportsman's Den in Shelby both meet your requirements.